The Essential Guide to Tummy Tuck vs Liposuction

Published March 9, 2024

If you’re someone struggling with extra weight around your midsection that you can’t seem to lose, you may be considering plastic surgery. Plastic surgery can help you get the lean physique you’re eyeing. 

And the two popular procedures that address these concerns are lipo and tummy tucks. Both treatments may address similar areas. For this, people may overlook and choose one over the other carelessly. Yet, there are crucial differences you need to consider when deciding on your treatment. 

What Is Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical treatment that diminishes excess, stretched, or sagging skin. It does so precisely from the abdomen. It restores a flatter and tighter abdominal area. The procedure is also highly impressive in repairing weakened or stretched abdominal muscles. 

When dealing with the stomach and abdominal area, there is also the dilemma of excess, sagging skin. Pregnancy, aging, and a large amount of weight loss can cause it. In these cases, liposuction may not be the best treatment. Excess skin is better addressed through a tummy tuck. 

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a far less invasive treatment than a tummy tuck. It can be done on almost anybody with extra fat, such as the stomach, back, arms, legs, and more. 

A saline, water, and anesthesia solution is prepared during the procedure. It is then injected into the fat cells to be removed. After, a cannula similar to an IV needle sucks the fat out. The procedure results in a more sculpted figure. 

Contrary to a tummy tuck, liposuction does not diminish excess skin. The procedure then is best suited for the removal of small fat deposits. In addition, it is not a weight loss surgery. You will not lose a massive amount of weight with this treatment. 

The removal of the fat cells is lasting, yet lipids do not prevent one from gaining weight in the future. You will need to sustain your new figure with diet and exercise. 

Who Is Tummy Tuck For?

A tummy tuck removes extra fat from the abdomen. It also cuts excess skin. 

Pregnancy and considerable shifts in your weight can stretch out the skin in your stomach. A tummy tuck can restore the look of a flat and contoured midsection. 

 You may want to undergo a tummy tuck if: 

1. Your body mass index is over 30 
2. You’re considering getting pregnant in the future
3. You’re actively trying to lose weight
4. You have a chronic heart condition. 

Who Is Liposuction For?

Liposuction may be ideal if you’re looking to diminish small fat deposits. These are commonly sighted on the hips, thighs, buttocks, and stomach area.

The procedure will cut fat deposits from the targeted area. It reduces bulges. Moreover, it improves contour. Yet, it is not a weight loss tool. You shouldn’t get it if you’re obese. 

Pros and Cons of Tummy Tuck

Pros of Tummy Tuck 

1. Creates a slimmer, flatter waistline. 
2. Repairs weak or separated abdominal muscles. It results in a tighter abdomen. 
3. It may aid in reducing the look of stretch marks. 
4. It can lead to better-fitting clothes due to the reduced waistline. 
5. It can enhance confidence and overall appearance. 

Cons of Tummy Tuck 

1. The result can be compromised. It is if healthy lifestyle habits are not sustained post-surgery. 
2. It is an invasive surgical procedure. It involves a lengthy incision and tissue and muscle manipulation. 
3. There’s a risk of complications. 

Pros and Cons of Liposuction

Pros of Liposuction 

1. A simple procedure that is guaranteed safe 
2. Liposuction can improve the patient’s appearance. It renders a more natural-looking body fat distribution. 
3. It demands less downtime than other invasive surgeries. 
4. It removes stubborn fat that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise. 

Cons of Liposuction 

1. Liposuction does not address loose skin. Nor cellulite, dimples, or stretch marks. 
2. There are surgical risks linked to the procedure. 
3. Gaining weight post-procedure is possible. It is given if healthy lifestyle habits are not sustained. 
4. Some degree of post-surgical swelling is expected. 
5. The procedure may lead to contour irregularities. It is due to uneven fat removal, poor skin elasticity, and scarring. 

What Is the Procedure Like: Liposuction

Liposuction may have you intravenously sedated. In some cases, your surgeon will employ a local anesthetic on your midsection. 

Once the space is numb, your surgeon will craft small incisions around the site of your fat deposits. A thin tube will be maneuvered underneath your skin to loosen the fat cells. Your provider will use a medical vacuum to remove the dislodged fat deposits. However, it may demand several sessions to attain your desired outcome. 

What Is the Procedure Like: Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck will have you put to sleep via general anesthesia. After sedation, your provider will make an incision at the bottom of the skin that guards your abdominal wall. 

Once the muscles are exposed, the surgeon will sew them into your abdominal wall together if they have become stretched out. Afterward, they will pull tight the skin over your abdomen. Then, take off excess complexion. Finally, close the incision with sutures. 

What Are the Expected Results: Liposuction

People who have undergone liposuction on their abdomen will likely see a flatter, more proportioned midsection. The results are supposed to be permanent. Yet, at least one study disagrees. According to it, the fat deposits reemerge up to a year after liposuction. However, they may show up elsewhere in your body. If you acquire weight, fat will reaccumulate in your body. However, it is not typically in the spaces that were suctioned. 

What Are the Expected Results: Tummy Tuck

After a tummy tuck, the outcome is deemed permanent. Your abdominal wall will be affirmed as more stable and robust. The extra skin that has been cut won’t return unless weight fluctuation or a subsequent pregnancy stretches out the area again. 

Which Is Right for Me: A Tummy Tuck or Lipo

A tummy tuck will give you the best outcome if loose skin bothers you. Suppose you have small pockets of fat around your midsection that you’d like to address. Liposuction is the ideal route for you. 

Cost of Liposuction and Cost of Tummy Tuck

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average liposuction cost is $3,548. On the other hand, the average cost of a tummy tuck is $6,092.